Technical Abstract:
Porcine alveolar macrophages were found to be highly susceptible to the cytolytic effects of a toxin (Shiga toxin [Stx]) produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli and sometimes associated with clinical disease in pigs and other animals. In comparison with the cells that are most commonly used for Stx detection (namely, Vero cells) porcine alveolar macrophages were found to be generally more sensitive, and test results could be obtained in less time. Moreover, unlike continuous cell lines such as Vero cells, porcine alveolar macrophages need not be continuously propagated to ensure almost instant availability. They can simply be removed from a low-temperature repository, thawed, seeded, and exposed to test sample shortly thereafter. These advantages suggest that porcine alveolar macrophages should be evaluated as a sensitive and timely diagnostic test for Stx.